VENTILATION 331 



discharging (if possible) at the ridge through a suitable ventilating-cowl. 

 The whole system of ventilation is shown in fig. 574. Wherever practi- 

 cable, windows ought to be provided in the front and back walls of a 

 stable, and if another window can be placed in the gable ending, extending 

 upwards to the ceiling, it will be a great improvement. These windows 

 not only admit light, but, if made to open, can be adjusted to serve both 

 as inlets and outlets for air. 



In ventilation, as in everything else about a stable, simplicity is of the 

 first importance. Beware of elaborate contrivances that look pretty upon 

 paper, but require constant attention to ensure their proper working. An 

 automatic system, depending solely upon the flow of the atmospheric 

 currents, and the poise and the counterpoise always going on between the 

 inner and outer temperature, and consequent weight of the air, may fail 

 during some rare calm, or on an exceptionally hot day ; but, on the other 

 hand, it is independent of the stableman, who probably understands but 

 little of the theory of ventilation, and is liable to be careless or indifferent 

 even when he does. 



Another method of ventilation, first suggested by Mr. Alfred Water- 

 house, E.A., is a modification of that generally known as "Tobin's". The 

 end of the stall-division nearest the horse's head is cast hollow, in the form 

 of an oblong tube, at the lower end of which the air is introduced by a 

 grating in the outside wall, and, passing up the hollow with an impetus 

 towards the ceiling, spreads out all round without draught. 



As before stated, the heated air from the stable should not be allowed 

 to escape into the liay-loft, either through traps in the ceiling or through 

 other openings; a special air-shaft should be provided, and the hay 

 brought down through a shoot if possible in an outside passage, or in 

 the fodder-room. The loft stairs also should not rise directly from the 

 stable. To render the stable ceiling completely air -tight may not be 

 easy, for plaster is not desirable under a hay-loft, and boarding, even 

 when grooved and tongued, is apt to shrink and become far from im- 

 pervious. Felt, or at least brown paper, laid under the floor-boarding, 

 or over the ceiling -boarding, answers the purpose well, however, and is 

 not expensive. The hay-lofts should, of course, be well ventilated by 

 louvred windows, arranged to allow a full current of air through every 

 part of the loft. 



HARNESS-ROOM 



A good harness-room is an ' indispensable adjunct to every stable, 

 and, where a number of hunters are kept, a saddle-room also is necessary. 

 These should be placed as centrally as possible to the whole group of 



